Mobile banking in Kenya has revolutionized financial services, offering convenience and accessibility to millions. With USSD codes, users can perform various banking transactions without internet connectivity, making banking services accessible to everyone, including those in remote areas. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the mobile banking USSD codes used in Kenya, detailing the key features, benefits, and how to use them effectively.
What is USSD?
Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) is a communication protocol used by GSM cellular telephones to communicate with their service provider’s computers. Unlike SMS, USSD transactions occur in real time, offering instant communication and interaction.
Key Benefits of USSD Codes for Mobile Banking
- Accessibility: Available on any mobile phone, without needing internet access.
- Speed: Quick and easy to use, allowing instant transactions.
- Cost-Effective: Typically cheaper than internet banking or mobile app transactions.
- Security: Transactions are secure and encrypted.
Major Banks and Their USSD Codes
1. Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) USSD Code.
- Bank to M-PESA USSD Code: *522#
- M-PESA to Bank Paybill Number: 522522
- Services: Check balance, mini statement, transfer money, pay bills, buy airtime.
2. Commercial Bank of Africa USSD Code.
- Bank to M-PESA USSD Code: *654#
- M-PESA to Bank Paybill Number: 880100
- Services: Balance inquiry, funds transfer, airtime purchase, loan application.
3. Co-operative Bank USSD Code.
- Bank to M-PESA USSD Code: *667#
- M-PESA to Bank Paybill Number: 400200
- Services: Balance check, funds transfer, mini statement, airtime purchase, bill payment.
4. Standard Chartered Bank USSD Code
- Bank to M-PESA USSD Code: *722#
- M-PESA to Bank Paybill Number: 329329
- Services: Check balance, funds transfer, pay bills, buy airtime.
5. ABSA Bank (formerly Barclays) USSD Code.
- Bank to M-PESA USSD Code: *224#
- M-PESA to Bank Paybill Number: 303030
- Services: Balance inquiry, funds transfer, loan application, bill payment.
6. NIC Bank Limited USSD Code.
- Bank to M-PESA USSD Code: *488# / APP
- M-PESA to Bank Paybill Number: 488488
- Services: Check balance, funds transfer, pay bills, mini statement.
7. Family Bank Ltd USSD Code.
- Bank to M-PESA USSD Code: *325#
- M-PESA to Bank Paybill Number: 222111
- Services: Balance check, funds transfer, airtime purchase, loan application.
8. CFC Stanbic USSD Code.
- Bank to M-PESA USSD Code: *208#
- M-PESA to Bank Paybill Number: 600100
- Services: Check balance, funds transfer, pay bills, buy airtime.
9. Equity Bank USSD Code.
- Bank to M-PESA USSD Code: *247#
- M-PESA to Bank Paybill Number: 247247
- Services: Balance inquiry, funds transfer, mini statement, loan application.
10. National Bank USSD Code.
- Bank to M-PESA USSD Code: *625#
- M-PESA to Bank Paybill Number: 547700
- Services: Check balance, funds transfer, pay bills, buy airtime.
11. Chase Bank USSD Code.
- Bank to M-PESA USSD Code: *275#
- M-PESA to Bank Paybill Number: 552800
- Services: Balance check, funds transfer, mini statement, airtime purchase.
12. I & M Bank Limited USSD Code.
- Bank to M-PESA USSD Code: *458#
- M-PESA to Bank Paybill Number: 542542
- Services: Check balance, funds transfer, pay bills, mini statement.
13. Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) USSD Code
- Bank to M-PESA USSD Code: *385#
- M-PESA to Bank Paybill Number: 516600
- Services: Balance inquiry, funds transfer, airtime purchase, loan application.
14. Ecobank USSD Code
- Bank to M-PESA USSD Code: *335#
- M-PESA to Bank Paybill Number: 700201
- Services: Check balance, funds transfer, pay bills, mini statement.
15. Jamii Bora Bank USSD Code
- Bank to M-PESA USSD Code: *344#
- M-PESA to Bank Paybill Number: 529901
- Services: Balance check, funds transfer, airtime purchase, bill payment.
16. Imperial Bank Ltd USSD Code
- Bank to M-PESA USSD Code: *356#
- M-PESA to Bank Paybill Number: 800100
- Services: Check balance, funds transfer, pay bills, mini statement.
17. ABC Bank USSD Code
- Bank to M-PESA USSD Code: APP
- M-PESA to Bank Paybill Number: 111777
- Services: Balance inquiry, funds transfer, loan application, bill payment.
18. Credit Bank USSD Code
- Bank to M-PESA USSD Code: *699#
- M-PESA to Bank Paybill Number: 972700
- Services: Balance check, funds transfer, mini statement, airtime purchase.
19. Consolidated Bank Ltd USSD Code
- Bank to M-PESA USSD Code: *262#
- M-PESA to Bank Paybill Number: 508400
- Services: Check balance, funds transfer, pay bills, mini statement.
20. Equatorial Commercial Bank USSD Code
- Bank to M-PESA USSD Code: *286#
- M-PESA to Bank Paybill Number: 498100
- Services: Balance inquiry, funds transfer, airtime purchase, loan application.
21. K-Rep Bank USSD Code
- Bank to M-PESA USSD Code: *527#
- M-PESA to Bank Paybill Number: 111999
- Services: Check balance, funds transfer, pay bills, mini statement.
22. Transnational Bank USSD Code
- Bank to M-PESA USSD Code: *862#
- M-PESA to Bank Paybill Number: 862862
- Services: Balance check, funds transfer, airtime purchase, bill payment.
23. Post Office Savings Bank USSD Code
- Bank to M-PESA USSD Code: *498#
- M-PESA to Bank Paybill Number: 200999
- Services: Check balance, funds transfer, pay bills, mini statement.
24. Gulf African Bank USSD Code
- Bank to M-PESA USSD Code: *399#
- M-PESA to Bank Paybill Number: 985050
- Services: Balance inquiry, funds transfer, airtime purchase, loan application.
25. Housing Finance Company Ltd USSD Code
- Bank to M-PESA USSD Code: *231#
- M-PESA to Bank Paybill Number: 100400
- Services: Check balance, funds transfer, pay bills, mini statement.
26. Bank of Africa (BOA) USSD Code
- Bank to M-PESA USSD Code: *987#
- M-PESA to Bank Paybill Number: 972900
- Services: Balance check, funds transfer, airtime purchase, bill payment.
27. UBA Bank USSD Code
- Bank to M-PESA USSD Code: *368#
- M-PESA to Bank Paybill Number: 559900
- Services: Check balance, funds transfer, pay bills, mini statement.
28. Guardian Bank USSD Code
- Bank to M-PESA USSD Code: *356#
- M-PESA to Bank Paybill Number: 344501
- Services: Balance inquiry, funds transfer, airtime purchase, loan application.
29. Prime Bank USSD Code
- Bank to M-PESA USSD Code: APP
- M-PESA to Bank Paybill Number: 982800
- Services: Check balance, funds transfer, pay bills, mini statement.
30. Guaranty Trust Bank USSD Code
- Bank to M-PESA USSD Code: APP
- M-PESA to Bank Paybill Number: 910200
- Services: Balance check, funds transfer, airtime purchase, bill payment.
How to Use USSD Codes for Mobile Banking
- Dial the USSD Code: Enter the specific USSD code of your bank on your phone’s dialer.
- Select the Desired Service: Follow the on-screen prompts to select the transaction you want to perform.
- Enter Required Details: Provide necessary